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WWW.PINKERTONPAIN.COM
| 417-781-7246 |
Epidural Steroid Injections
This site is not intended to be a substitute for
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
medical care. It is for informational purposes only.
What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a nonsurgical treatment that is used to help relieve pain caused by irritation of the spinal
nerves. ESIs are performed to relieve pain caused by a number of issues including spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and
disc herniation. The injection includes long-lasting steroid such as methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, or
triamcinolone and an anesthetic. Under x-ray guidance, the medications are delivered into the epidural space of the spine
(an area between the protective covering of the spinal cord and vertebrae.) Steroids can reduce inflammation and
pressure on the spinal nerves, thereby relieving pain in that part of the neck or back.
Are you a candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?
Some patients with pain in the neck, arms, low back, hips, and/or legs may benefit from ESIs, specifically those known to
have the following conditions: spinal stenosis, spondylosis, herniated disc. When symptoms are interfering with exercise
and/or work and family time, epidurals can ease the pain enough so that patients can get back to daily life. Those who
have an infection, are pregnant or nursing, or those with bleeding problems should not have epidural steroid injections.
ESIs may slightly elevate blood sugar in patients with diabetes for a short period of time.
What happens before an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Dr. Pinkerton requires that you have an initial evaluation by him prior to having any form of treatment. This is an
opportunity for you and him to get to know each other. He will examine you thoroughly and review all of your medical
history and medication. You should be prepared to ask any questions at this time. Prior to receiving an epidural injection,
you may be asked to remain fasting for up to 6 hours and bring a driver with you to your appointment. These are only
precautions and are for your safety only. Click here to see our specific instructions.
What happens after an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Although some patients may feel anxious about the ESI ahead of time, most patients are pleasantly surprised when they
are finished. Most patients are immediately able to get up and walk around, and after a short period of monitoring are
able to leave the office. Light activity is encouraged for the rest of the day but strenuous activity is discouraged. Patients
can usually return to their normal activities the next day. Localized soreness may be relieved by using ice for at least 2
hours in 20 minute intervals. This may be done up to 24 hours.
What are the results?
Some patients experience some pain relief immediately, however, it is common for the epidural steroid injection to take a
few days to start to work. The medication may take up to 7 days to begin working, and depending on the degree of injury,
more than one injection may be required. Dr. Pinkerton will give you specific instructions on when to return to his office.
What are the risks?
There are few risks for ESIs, but those reported are spinal headache induced from inserting the needle to far into the
epidural space, bleeding, infection, stroke, allergic reaction to steroid, elevated blood sugar, mild numbness (usually
resolved within 8 hours.)
If you have any questions please contact us.
Epidural Steroid Injection (ESI) is a nonsurgical treatment that is used to help relieve pain caused by irritation of the spinal
nerves. ESIs are performed to relieve pain caused by a number of issues including spinal stenosis, spondylosis, and
disc herniation. The injection includes long-lasting steroid such as methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, or
triamcinolone and an anesthetic. Under x-ray guidance, the medications are delivered into the epidural space of the spine
(an area between the protective covering of the spinal cord and vertebrae.) Steroids can reduce inflammation and
pressure on the spinal nerves, thereby relieving pain in that part of the neck or back.
Are you a candidate for Epidural Steroid Injections?
Some patients with pain in the neck, arms, low back, hips, and/or legs may benefit from ESIs, specifically those known to
have the following conditions: spinal stenosis, spondylosis, herniated disc. When symptoms are interfering with exercise
and/or work and family time, epidurals can ease the pain enough so that patients can get back to daily life. Those who
have an infection, are pregnant or nursing, or those with bleeding problems should not have epidural steroid injections.
ESIs may slightly elevate blood sugar in patients with diabetes for a short period of time.
What happens before an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Dr. Pinkerton requires that you have an initial evaluation by him prior to having any form of treatment. This is an
opportunity for you and him to get to know each other. He will examine you thoroughly and review all of your medical
history and medication. You should be prepared to ask any questions at this time. Prior to receiving an epidural injection,
you may be asked to remain fasting for up to 6 hours and bring a driver with you to your appointment. These are only
precautions and are for your safety only. Click here to see our specific instructions.
What happens after an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Although some patients may feel anxious about the ESI ahead of time, most patients are pleasantly surprised when they
are finished. Most patients are immediately able to get up and walk around, and after a short period of monitoring are
able to leave the office. Light activity is encouraged for the rest of the day but strenuous activity is discouraged. Patients
can usually return to their normal activities the next day. Localized soreness may be relieved by using ice for at least 2
hours in 20 minute intervals. This may be done up to 24 hours.
What are the results?
Some patients experience some pain relief immediately, however, it is common for the epidural steroid injection to take a
few days to start to work. The medication may take up to 7 days to begin working, and depending on the degree of injury,
more than one injection may be required. Dr. Pinkerton will give you specific instructions on when to return to his office.
What are the risks?
There are few risks for ESIs, but those reported are spinal headache induced from inserting the needle to far into the
epidural space, bleeding, infection, stroke, allergic reaction to steroid, elevated blood sugar, mild numbness (usually
resolved within 8 hours.)
If you have any questions please contact us.